Module 3: Social Stratification and Social Mobility

Question 5
Candidates were expected to examine how two factors (colour, ethnicity or gender)
influenced the stratification system in the Caribbean.

The building blocks of theoretical perspectives are concepts which can only be adequately
understood with reference to the perspective/s as in the case of colour and gender with

respect to social stratification perspectives.

The concepts of colour, ethnicity or gender should be explained against the backdrop of

social stratification.
The concept ethnicity has a cultural rather than biological basis as in race. The appropriate

theoretical perspective should always be used.

Beckfords Plantation Society approach should not be confused with M.G. Smiths Plural

Society approach or Ryans study of social stratification in Trinidad.

Any conclusive discourse on social stratification in the Caribbean must demonstrate an
understanding of the above mentioned approaches.

Question 6

This question required candidates to examine the issue of gender and inequality in

Caribbean society.
Candidates were expected to demonstrate how inequality affected gender as far as class
position and opportunities for social mobility, with a focus on education as a purveyor of
gender inequality in a named Caribbean society.

The weaker responses elaborated on gender equality with little or no focus on the education
system as required. These responses focused on the workplace and the home with inadequate
explanations of the concepts gender and inequality.
The average responses did not address the historical data as well as that of social change in
Caribbean society; hence the issues of social reforms in education and gender-based rights and
opportunities in the post-independence era were disregarded.
gender inequality was more evident in some Caribbean societies than others; elaborated on
government reforms (legislative), following agitation by feminist groups; feminization of
the teaching profession and male underachievement and other socio-economic factors.

Candidates should note the following points:

Familiarity with appropriate and adequate information on social development and related

studies and/or theoretical perspectives in the Caribbean is important.

Focus should first be placed on the education system.
Key concepts should be explained clearly and correctly, for example, gender inequality.
Note that gender inequality is not only based on inequalities relating to females
(Errol Millers feminization argument re the teaching profession).